Another Year by the Old Clock

Another Year by the Old Clock by Winslow Homer is a significant example of American graphic illustration produced in 1870. Executed as a wood engraving, this print reflects the technical mastery Homer developed while working extensively for major illustrated magazines in the United States, such as Harper's Weekly. During the post-Civil War era, such readily reproducible works became essential cultural documents, reaching a wide national audience.

As a printmaker, Homer utilized the dense, black-and-white nature of the wood engraving technique to render details sharply. The subject matter, hinted at by the title, often involved capturing intimate genre scenes or moments of quiet reflection concerning the passage of time and domestic life, themes that resonate throughout his early career. Though the work relies heavily on line and shadow, Homer skillfully created depth and atmosphere, demonstrating why his illustrations were highly sought after during this period of growing print media.

This important historical print is currently held in the esteemed collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, representing a crucial phase in the artist’s progression before he focused primarily on oil painting and watercolor. Because the work is over 150 years old, high-quality photographic reproductions of prints like Another Year by the Old Clock are frequently made available for study and reference through public domain initiatives, allowing broader access to Homer’s influential output across generations of artists and scholars.